Tajikistan

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Tajikistan

Country Profile/Quick Facts

Tajikistan has been undergoing profound political and economic changes since gaining independence following the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991. In the aftermath of the 1992-1996 civil war, which cost over 50,000 lives, and severe droughts in 2000 and 2001, the population continues to endure the effects of a stagnant economy and a soaring crime rate. More than 80 percent of the population lives under the poverty line and for about a million people - one sixth of the population - physical survival itself has become a struggle. Particularly hard-hit are small farmers with no alternative source of income, female-headed households, families with several children and the elderly. This has left large groups of people dependent on outside aid.

Water sanitation, health care services and social welfare are poor or non-existent, contributing to a significant increase in communicable diseases, such as typhoid fever and dysentery. The country has regularly experienced a variety of natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods and landslides.

Although comprehensive peace accords were signed in June 1997, some armed clashes involving renegade forces still take place, mostly in remote regions. Incursions of armed militants loyal to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), and hostilities in neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan, have created instability in Tajikistan.

	A Tajik woman learns to use her prostheses with Benson Osome from the Canadian Red Cross

In 1994 the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) established a permanent presence in Tajikistan to work alongside the local Red Crescent Society. The major focus during recent years has been in the area of drought assistance and food insecurity. Since then, program initiatives have included disaster preparedness and response, community-based first aid, health care and organizational development.

Canadian Red Cross Supports Orthopaedic Centre

The Canadian Red Cross has been directly involved in Tajikistan since 1998 in a joint project with the ICRC, the local Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan and the Tajikistan government to operate an orthopaedic centre for amputees in the capital Dushanbe. The Centre provides artificial limbs primarily to amputees who have lost legs due to war-related injuries, including landmines and other accidents.